It is learnt that devotees have demanded that civilians be allowed to celebrate the feast at the church of Our Lady of Springs on February 2 on Anjediva Island. The Anjediva Island located off the coast of Karwar, has two historical churches built by the Portuguese. One church is dedicated to Nossa Senhora das Brotas (Our Lady of Springs), whose feast is celebrated on February 2, and a chapel dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, which now lies in ruins, the feast of which is celebrated on October 4. The Anjediva Island is part of the state of Goa which is currently under the Navy’s control. From 2005 when the neighbouring Seabird naval base was up and running, the Navy has blocked access to the island. It is learnt that when the South Goa collector signed over the island to the Indian Navy, one of the conditions was that the navy would allow limited access to the island to devotees. A few devotees could be allowed access to the island under strict security to celebrate the feast and for maintenance of the churches. The Goa government should take up the matter with the naval authorities and seek necessary permission for the devotees to celebrate the feasts.
